Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole

Generic Name

Lansoprazole

Mechanism

  • Selective, irreversible inhibition of the H⁺/K⁺‑ATPase (the “gastric proton pump”) on the luminal surface of parietal cells.
  • Blocks the final step in acid production, producing a profound, long‑lasting decrease in gastric pH.
  • Inhibits neurogenic, histaminergic, and gastrin‑stimulated acid secretion, but not basal acid outlet; requires active acid secretion for efficacy.

Pharmacokinetics

ParameterLansoprazole
FormulationsOral capsules, orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), oral suspension; IV 4 mg/5 mL (office use).
AbsorptionOral: ~90 % oral bioavailability; IV: 100 %.
DistributionProtein‑binding ~35 % (primarily to albumin).
MetabolismHeterocyclic ring: hydroxylation, N‑dealkylation → 5‑hydroxy‑lansoprazole; UGT1A9 & CYP2C19 primarily.
EliminationUrine (~40 %) and feces (~10 %). Clearance ~0.13 L min⁻¹.
Half‑life~1–1.5 h (terminal elimination); effect lasts ≈24 h due to irreversible pump inhibition.
Drug interactionsInhibits CYP2C19 → ↑ exposures of clopidogrel, fluconazole, and others; induces CYP3A4 → ↓ clarithromycin, cyclosporine.

Indications

  • Gastro‑esophageal reflux disease (GERD) – healing of erosive esophagitis, maintenance therapy.
  • Peptic ulcer disease – healing, ulcer prevention (stress‑induced, NSAID‑related).
  • Zollinger–Ellison syndrome – control of gastrin‑stimulated hyperacidity.
  • H. *pylori* eradication – part of triple or quadruple therapy.
  • Maintenance treatment for patients requiring long‑term acid suppression (e.g., chronic GERD, erosive esophagitis).

Contraindications

  • Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to lansoprazole or any component.
  • Warnings:
  • Drug interactions: potent CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) can increase oral exposure; consider IV.
  • Clopidogrel: Oral PPIs (including lansoprazole) may reduce clopidogrel activation; use with caution or alternatives (e.g., rabeprazole).
  • Severe hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be necessary.
  • Long‑term use (>12 mo): risk of bone fracture, hypomagnesemia, vitamin B12 deficiency.

Dosing

ConditionTypical Adult DoseRouteNotes
GERD (erosive)30 mg PO once daily1 h before breakfastFor ≤8 weeks; can dose 15 mg if mild.
Maintenance15 mg PO once dailyFor patients who responded to 30 mg.
Peptic ulcer (stress‑induced, NSAID)30 mg PO once dailyDuration 4–8 weeks.
Zollinger–Ellison60 mg PO twice dailyUntil symptom control.
H. *pylori* eradication30 mg PO BIDWith amoxicillin, clarithromycin, +/– bismuth.
IV4 mg/5 mL (40 mg 10 mL)For patients unable to swallow POEquivalent to 30 mg PO.

• Administer ≤30 min before meals for oral dosing.
• ODT: place in mouth; should not be chewed.
• For ketutul: measure serum levels if therapeutic failure (rare).

Adverse Effects

GeneralFrequencyManagement
Headache, dizziness<5 %Symptomatic; no dose adjustment usually.
Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain2–5 %Dietary modification; vanin; consider dose reduction.
Flatulence, dyspepsia<5 %Symptomatic care.
Serious
Hypomagnesemia (≥3 mo)<1 %Monitor serum Mg; supplement if low.
Clostridioides difficile colitis<1 %Discontinue; treat with oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin.
Osteoporotic fracture (long‑term)<1 %Calcium/vit B12 supplementation; consider BMD testing.
Liver enzyme elevation3× ULN.

Monitoring

  • Baseline: CBC, CMP, magnesium, B12 if long‑term therapy.
  • Follow‑up (≥3 mo & long‑term):
  • Serum magnesium, calcium, vitamin D (if bone risk).
  • Liver function tests (if hepatic disease).
  • If on clopidogrel: monitor for stent thrombosis events.
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring: rarely needed; consider for drug interactions or inadequate response.

Clinical Pearls

  • Mini‑dose strategy: For patients with mild GERD, 15 mg once daily after 2–3 weeks of 30 mg may maintain remission and reduce adverse profile.
  • IV vs PO: IV lansoprazole is essentially bioequivalent to oral and can be used in critical illness or when oral access is lacking.
  • Drug interaction nuance: Lansoprazole is a moderate CYP2C19 inhibitor; it can raise levels of clopidogrel metabolites, reducing antiplatelet potency – consider rabeprazole or esomeprazole if on clopidogrel.
  • H. *pylori* regimens: In areas with high clarithromycin resistance, replace clarithromycin with levofloxacin and use a 14‑day duration.
  • Long‑term safety: After 12 months of PPI therapy, screen for magnesium deficiency and counsel on calcium‑rich diet, especially in post‑menopausal women.
  • PCR‑based testing: For patients with atypical ulcers, consider testing for CYP2C19 genotype to tailor dosing (slow metabolizers may benefit from standard dosing; rapid metabolizers may need 30 mg BID).

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• *This drug card consolidates current data on lansoprazole for rapid reference by medical students and clinicians. Always check local guidelines before prescribing.*

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Medical Disclaimer: Medical definitions are provided for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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